MIMMA 4 Grand Finals : Pre-Fight analysis

In it's 4th season now MIMMA has come a long way. As a tournament that was structured towards unearthing and building Malaysian MMA talent, it has undoubtly achieved this successfully. Fighters such as Keanu Subba, Agilan Thani & Mohd Aiman has transition successfully to fight as a pro in ONE Championship. MIMMA 1 champion ; Allen Solomon Chong and Adrian Tham is active in the regional MMA circuit in Asia, and many amateur fighters are training hard and eagerly waiting for their chance to make an impression in MIMMA 2017

At the beginning, in the the first & second seasons, most fighters are either good on stand up or ground. But as it progress to the 4th season now we see standard of fights has improved. And most fighters already cross train in different discipline to be a more complete fighter. 

This Grand Finals on Saturday will have 12 bouts. 9 championship bouts and 3 feature fights.

FEATURE FIGHTS:

MIMMA Veteran VS New Blood 
Vinod Dave Greywal (Kuala Lumpur) VS Aaron Tan (Sarawak)

Malaysia VS Indonesia 
Hafizul Hakeem VS Riko Chen

Palestine VS USA
Amro Fy Sulaiman VS Cash Barnes

CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS:

Women: 
Joanna Yap (Defending Champion) VS Hayatun Najihin

Heavy Weight:
Darren Low (Defending Champion) VS Tsan Nieng Khai

Flyweight: 
Seah Zhang Yu (Defending Champion) VS Eddey Kalai

Middleweight: 
Meeraj Omar (Defending Champion) VS Bryant Tan

Welterweight: 
Gino Tan (Defending Champion) VS Theebaan Govindasamy

Lightweight: 
Jace Law (Defending Champion) VS Hui Keng Fai

Bantamweight: 
Effendy Kalai VS Damon Soo

Featherweight: 
Cheah Wen Khyn VS Joseph Yap

Foreign Pride: 
Nazri Sutari VS Shaqueme Rock

Lets take a look at some of the interesting match-up for the Grand Finals.


MIMMA Veteran VS New Blood 
Vinod Dave Greywal (Kuala Lumpur) VS Aaron Tan (Sarawak)

MIMMA veteran, Vinod Dave Greywal, now training in Vietnam's UFC Gym under ONE Championship veteran Arnaud LePont, is looking to show newcomer, Aaron Tan that experience shall triumph over anything else. Vinod conquered Keng Fai in season's 3 semi-finals but he lost to eventual champion Jace Law in the contender fight.

Aaron Tan from GymBox Kuching is not someone to be underestimated. He maybe the newcomer and underdog. But he has created some upsets in his MIMMA 4 journey. Aaron got a win over Teh Kah Wei in the semi-finals and lost a close fight to Theeban in the contender fight. Expect a very technical bout between these two.


Malaysia VS Indonesia 
Hafizul Hakeem VS Riko Chen

Hafizul Last year’s featherweight grand finalist, Hafizul Hakeem of Team Karabaw, Sabah will be carrying the nation’s flag against Malaysia’s traditional competitor, Indonesia, represented by Riko Chen of K-One MMA Academy in Penang.

Hafizul bring a 5-3-0 record into this fight. Hafizul comes from Sipitang, a small town 2.5 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. Last year he went all the way to the grand finals meeting Muhd Aiman but suffered a round 1 lost. This year he came back strong & reach the semi-finals where he met Joseph Yap. Controlling the fight in round 1 and early round 2, looks set to win but Joseph manage to capitalize on a small window of opportunity and executed a good arm lock to win it.

Hafizul has much improve on his game since last year. Noticing the potential in him, MIMMA offered him this feature fight. Thrill at this opportunity to represent the country, Hafizul decided to train at  AKA Phuket, to add more arsenal to his skills.

Riko is a BJJ specialist. He won over fellow Indonesian Alfred Leko in the feature fight of MIMMA 4 contender fight. Hailing from Medan Indonesia, Riko was one of the selected few who won the scholarship MMA program run by K-One MMA Academy. Training there as a full time fighter. 

Back in Medan, Riko frequently got into many street fights. Joining a proper gym and fight legally in the cage is his way of managing his anger and at the same time giving him a direction in life. 

On how he thinks the fight will go,
" He's a nice guy, But when he step inside the cage with me, will be just another meal. Yeah..standing or ground no matter...
I have the KO power and I have the ground game as well.
So bring it on. No matter what it is, I'm more than ready"



Heavy Weight:
Darren Low (Defending Champion) VS Tsan Nieng Khai

Borneo war!

Heavyweight category will see a all Borneon affair. Champion, Darren Low from Sabah is looking to mirror his 13 knockout he did last season but Sarawakian Tsan Nieng Khai is known not only for his ability to absorb punches but also produce devastating blows too. Darren is a submission specialist but certainly has knock out power in those hands. He won the belt in Season 2 and defended it in a 13 seconds TKO vs Niker Tan last year. Meanwhile Tsan favours stand up. He develop it from his devotion to Muaythai. 

Both are businessman, Darren runs his own security firm and Tsan runs a cyber cafe and his own gym - MAD Fight Club. Will Tsan be able to move Mount Kinabalu? Heavyweight fights will be short and impactful; with a guaranteed KO/TKO results, so don't blink!



Flyweight:
Seah Zhang Yu (Defending Champion) VS Eddey Kalai



Seah Zhang Yu, produced an epic battle dubbed the fight of the night, last season. This year he will have his hands full as he will battle it out with boxing legend, Eddey Kalai. Seah from 3S MMA Penang is a fighter with good endurance plus a high work rate in the cage. 

Mentally, Seah also has proven himself, when in season 2 after a lost to Muhd Aiman in the semi-finals, he was called back to fight in the finals as Aiman failed to make weight. Within a few days he need to make weight and he went on to KO Kenny Yap to emerge as season 2 champion. Last year he battle it out for 5 rounds vs Dhiaal Amal in a thrilling back & forth fight, to defend his belt.

Eddey is from Sandakan, Sabah. A policeman and ex national boxer. He represent ELITEZ MMA and KALAI BROTHERS BOXING. Eddey always has a smile and likes to joke, hence his nick name 'The Clown' but once the fight starts he will put together slick combo, fluid head movement to avoid strikes and a much improved grappling game to bring the fight to the canvas. 

Andy Teh (model, actor and MMA pro fighter and founder of ELITEZ MMA) describe Eddey ,

Andy believe that the fight with Seah will be an exciting match where good exchange of punches & kicks will fill the rounds.

Lightweight: 
Jace Law (Defending Champion) VS Hui Keng Fai



This is a text book epic clash to look forward to is the bout between JKO, Jace Law, and KFO, Keng Fai. Both are hard hitters who are known to KO their opponent. Expect guns blazing when these two meet. 

Jace Law was creating waves in last season MIMMA, knocking opponents out left right and center. He lived up to his monicker of JKO. This year, Jace stayed low key. Focusing on his training away from media attention.

WRB catched up with Jace

Its been sometimes since we last hear from u what have u been busy with?
Busy with other projects, spending time with the people that matter most to me etc...even so I've never skipped training since winning the belt. I'm at the gym everyday its crazy... and by gym I mean the best gym around town, The Gymbox Kuching. "Wink"

Do you still train under Matt Pellino? How has your preparation been?
Matt is off doing his own thing, he will be back soon, but as for this fight camp nothing has changed.... all the training routines from last year has been implemented in this training camp. And this time I have more training partners to spar with me and push me to my limits in training. Guys like Stephen Onn, Aaron Tan, Aaron Lo, Steve Kong, Vincent Voon, Tsan Nieng Khai, Samuel Ng, Henry Eng, Jimmy, Allan Goh, even guys from other gyms like Mohd Eswandy, Tingang Bulan and my fellow grand finalist Bryant Tan! Just have to give these guys a shoutout and thank them for helping me out! ;)

What do you think of the finalist from season 4 this year...aside from your own match...which do you think will be explosive?
Some familiar faces and some new faces. All good guys, and ladies of course :) I think Darren Low vs Tsan Nieng Khai will be explosive, two big guys going at it... The cage better be reinforced for this match up!

What is training at Phuket Top Team like? What is the difference from TMT last year?
PTT was cool, much smaller than TMT but the level of training is around the same level, if not better. I mean each camp has their own special something y'know? It was a great experience overall especially sparring with high level fighters there. The Thai coaches were great too! But I'll say this though the food at TMT is way better!

In PTT since its cater for all the finalist and you are away from your own coaches who understand your style vs coaches that you just met...how do they prepare you for your own fight?
Its more about us experiencing how these high level fighters train. We were there for only a week, getting a sense of how world class fighters prepare for their fights is kind of the main point of us going there. So we could push ourselves even further by taking their work ethics and implementing them into our own training routines when we go back home.

Did you expect Hui Keng Fai to reach finals?
Kinda did. Predicted it since the MIMMA4 shortlisted names came out on MIMMA's FB page.

Do you feel the fight will go the distance?
Who knows? Anything can happen in a fight. It might last a few seconds and it might go the distance. And I always prepare myself for the worst. That being said I will do whatever it takes to keep the belt around my waist.

Do you feel being away from the cage gives you cage rust?
No, I don't believe in ring rust or cage rust.

WRB also had a chat with Jace's challenger for the lightweight belt.

Can you share with readers your background?
Born in Batu 5 Jalan Ipoh, now doing my bachelor's degree in psychology at HELP Uni, planning to do a masters in sports psychology after that.

Tell us about your martial arts journey?
Started from home, YouTube warrior hitting a heavy bag, sparring with friends, neighbors, my dad. 

How do you get into it?
Nothing special, always admired people who can fight, wanted to lose weight, that got me through the door, but after that it was like a drug, I couldn't stop, I just enjoyed it so much.
I enjoy the never ending learning process. It's something where you know for a fact you will never one day say, "Oh, I've learned enough and am satisfied" I wanna do martial arts for as long as my body allows me to.

Who is the coach that have taught you the most?
I have to name a few, all my coaches were just as important in my learning journey. My coaches from the really early beginning until my current coaches, it's like your preschool, primary school, secondary school, college then university teachers, they are all good and taught me what I needed most at the time. 

The coaches I've stuck with the longest though would be the ones at Muayfit, Piotr Leib my boxing coach, Saeed Chapari my wrestling coach, and Prof. Pedro Falbo,, BJJ coach. I try to learn from everyone, pick up what I can, discard what I don't find useful for me.

Currently I'm training with Alex Volodin at Alex Gym to work on my boxing, and Pedro for my BJJ. I learn just as much from my training partners. I cross train a lot at various gyms.

I don't trained in Muaythai because I think it makes me too stiff. I prefer boxing. But don't underestimate my kicks.

What motivates you?...what makes you fight with such fire?

I enjoy competition. I tend to get competitive in whatever I do. I enjoy the MMA lifestyle. Eating well, training hard and finishing my opponents. All 12 wins I have in amateur MMA came from 1st n 2nd round finishes. All finishes. I like to be vicious when fighting. I wish I could fight like Robbie Lawler. I love his fighting style and am constantly trying to emulate it.

Launching the KFO on opponent's face

You have a face that rarely show much emotion...but when you fight, you don't hold back...what sets this style that you have?
Aha first time hearing that, I'm not aware about this, I don't show much emotion?
:0 I think I might know just the reason, my previous boxing coach Piotr Leib said going crazy after winning a fight shows that one wasn't sure if he was going to win the fight, one was surprised after winning. I know I'm going to win. So it's no surprise. It's expected.

Tell readers about your personality...how do you describe yourself?
When I'm not training and by myself, I'm constantly in my head, in my mind, thinking. Sometimes too much. Sometimes it's productive thinking and I get lots of ideas going, get creative, am really positive.
Sometimes it's negative thinking. Trapped in my own thoughts.
Then I go for a run, shadow box, and feel that flow. Then mental clarity comes. 

Whats your favorite food that you cannot go without?

I love food. All kinds of food. Sometimes food motivates me to do my roadwork. Nasi lemak, BBQ meats, sandwiches and coffee. Some people eat to live, haha I live to eat. Darren Low inspires me to stuff myself with good food and then go lie down in a food coma.

During training what type of music do you listen to?
I usually avoid loud screaming music when training, various genres, some old, some new, but they are always songs that I find relaxing, to stay loose and relaxed, which is so important in striking.
But then for hard training sessions where technique isn't involved, such as running or pushing myself on the airdyne, fast paced and somewhat loud songs do help me train harder.

You have put on some bulk, who is your Strength & Conditioning coach? 

My problem is staying light. If I don't restrict my calories, and lift weights even just twice a week, I'll bulk up fairly quickly. Now I avoid weights and am focusing on being explosive and fast. Now it's Roadwork over weights anytime for me.
I've actually lost weight compared 1-2 years ago, but I feel more agile and faster, I don't get tired so quickly anymore. I don't have an S&c coach but have always been trying out all the different exercises for strength, that was in the past. Now to maintain strength I try to do calisthenics mostly. Rope climbs, pull ups, push ups, sprints and squats. Plain wrestling and jiujitsu is already decent S&C I think.
There's not enough time to do everything, there's so much to learn and do in MMA. Sriking, grappling and S&C.

What is your go to exercise to build strength?
Muscle ups and rope climbing. It makes me feel like I am strong in proportion to my size, so I like them the most. 

Take us through your MIMMA 4 journey/ from the ladder-match...to the contender...which is the fight u most satisfy with?
All my fights have been first round finishes since my fight with Nazri Sutari last year.

Do you see yourself making a career out of MMA?
Fighting is not my career. It's a journey I pursue out of enjoyment. If money comes with it in the future, great, if it doesn't, it doesn't matter. I believe I'll do well in whatever career I pursue once I'm done with fighting, because of what competing in martial arts has given and will continue to give to me. The gifts of mental fortitude, discipline, tremendous self belief and self efficacy.

How do you see the fight with Jace going?
He's got heavy hands, but he's also heavy on his feet. I think he's too slow, too stiff. I see holes in his striking and I plan to capitalize on them. 

Do you think your ground game is better than him? 

I think I am more technical than him on striking, on the ground, and cage work. He might be better than me in bench pressing though.

To date what is your most memorable fight?
My fight against Nazri Sutari. Everyone thought I was going to lose. The guy was putting people to sleep with one punch knockouts. But I had no doubts that I would win. I was dissapointed with the judges' decision during the semifinals last year, thus the chance to fight in the grand finale in the non-title match against Nazri made it all the more better.

WRB wishes both fighters the best. May it go down history as the best fight in MIMMA.







Bantamweight: 
Effendy Kalai VS Damon Soo

Last year's bantamweight final was a bit of a anti-climax. The bout between Effendy Kalai (Sabah) vs Tee Jac Yoe (Johor) ended in a controversial manner where Effendy pass out as referee gave him time to recover due to illegal strikes. Before that Tee was warn a few times for striking to the back of the head, but till today it was uncertain whether he pass out due to the strikes or some other circumstances. The fight was announced a no contest.

Realizing this unfinished business, MIMMA offered a rematch in this season's contender fight but Tee was not able to make it because he is studying overseas. The second contender fight was between another Sabahan - John Liew against the heavy favorite Damon Soo. It was a thrilling fight which Damon won by exerting ground control. Damon goes on to meet Effendey.

WRB wanted to hear the view of  Effendey's MMA coach, Andy Teh.

What's your thoughts on MIMMA giving Effendy the spot in grand final?
I'm very happy as this grand-final match is officially confirmed after a roller coaster end in MIMMA 3 Grand final last year. For one year, I'm trying to get the best answer and contact closely with MIMMA and Tunetalk team to offer the best solution for this issue. And I'm glad, the fight for him is confirmed after a proper and strict medical test handled by TuneTalk medical panel, Sunway Hospital . Would like to take this opportunity to THANK all that was involved in this problem solving issue. I know they are facing hard time settling this issue to make sure the fairest decision is made for both team.

What you see is his biggest challenge facing Damon?
Damon is a high level BJJ practitioner. And I know he is a very disciplined MMA athlete. He trained well in both striking and ground work. Good all rounder I would say. And for me, ground will be the world for Damon in this fight. But we have a proper training plan for this as well. So let's see what will happen in this Grand Final.

As Effendey coach how do you keep him motivated after last year incidence?
I can only do a small part by diverting him to stay focus on building a good coaching foundation and career in my academy. The biggest challenge is himself. He have to face the fact that it happened. But of sourse, no point waiting everything from MIMMA officials. Life have to move on. I told him to accept the worst decision it may be to avoid any disappointment and continue his journey. Meanwhile, he do participate in some BJJ, MMA and Muaythai competition to conditioning him, mentally and physically to stay in competitive mode.

Featherweight: 
Cheah Wen Khyn VS Joseph Yap

Joining Effendey and Eddey in the grand final is another ELITEZ stalwart; Joseph Yap. Joseph is a martial arts prodigy. At 25 this year, he only started seriously training in Jan 2015. Under the careful guidance of ELITEZ MMA founder Andy Teh teaching Joseph MMA and coach Effendey Kalai in boxing and Ngeoh Jian Cong in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Joseph soaks it all in like a sponge. In March 2015 he debut in his first MMA match. Going in like a dynamite in Ultimate Beatdown 15 winning by TKO with punches.

He was a feature fighter in 2015 MIMMA3: Contender Fight. Winning his featherweight fight vs Uriel Yu. He took on Hafizul Hakeem of Sabah in this year's semi-finals. It was his toughest match so far, as Hafizul dominate the fight, until Joseph found an opening for an armbar. He now has 8 amateur fights under him and all these fights are by TKO / submission. Joseph is looking to continue his winning streak and aimed to use his aggressiveness to win this match.

The armbar that brought Joseph to the finals

Again WRB talked to Andy Teh,

"Joseph will be going against Cheah Wen Khyn who currently training in MEBjj and with Sifu Kenneth if I'm not wrong. And I know Cheah is an explosive fighter and a good BJJ blue belt.

Tell me from your perspective on Joseph...his motivation, attitude and chances.

Joseph is a very discipline boy I would say. He listen well and he execute well. Humble on his achievement and always hunger for more success is what I see in him. And with discipline kick-in in his personality, this boy can go far! And I do believe he will make it to a bigger stage one day. Strong punch won't bring you far but strong heart and attitude will. I always told him to focus one match at a time. He have the chance to bring home ELITEZ very first title belt in MMA, but I don't want to put any pressure on him. We will plan the game plan for the fight, train accordingly and hopefully he execute well accordingly on fight day. 

What do you think is Joseph strong point? 

Both are very strong. And Joseph will for winning is very high. He won't give up easily. So it will be a war between two big hearts for this fight.

The ELITEZ fight team: Andy Teh with Joseph Yap (middle) and Effendy Kalai (left)

Foreign Pride:
Nazri Sutari VS Shaqueme Rock

For the Foreign Pride category will see two great athlete from two different side of the world.

Nazri Sutari aka Porkchop from Singapore meets Shaqueme Rock from Liverpool England. Nazri goes into this fight with a 6-3-0 record. He ply his trade in the early days in Rebel FC and Singapore Fighting Championship. 

Nazri learned a lot from his lost to Keng Fai in last year MIMMA grand final feature fight.
He considered it his toughest fight to date.

" That dude hit so hard and he was sharp and basically caught me. I thought I was winning the fight till I messed up during the scramble. His ground strikes are insane. Oh and also Ron Ng during S.F.C 1. Again I got caught because of my inexperience. But hey, you live and learn right?"

Coming back strong this year, Nazri is more calm and will take his time in a fight. Using his take down and grappling to tire his opponent before punishing them with ground and pound.

Nazri teaches MMA & Muaythai at Impact MMA & The Gentle Art Academy in Singapore.

WRB had a chat with Nazri.

Tell us how did you get involve in martial arts?

I guess my first involvement in combat sports was fencing. I started fencing when i was 13. I was training and actively competing at both national and regional levels and got selected for the national team. When I got into polytechnic I took up muay thai as a means to cross train with fencing. 

I was enlisted into the army for my national service but I was still training but not competing. Had my second muay thai fight 3 months after completing my service. My coach told me that I have the physical attributes to be a good MMA fighter (at that time I started wrestling to complement my clinching game in muay thai). At the end of 2013 Rebel FC organised a tryout for amateur fighters. I took part for fun but got selected to fight. I won my first MMA fight at Rebel FC and have not looked back since then.

Standing across Nazri in the cage on Saturday night will be Shaqueme Rock, a Brits 4 years his junior at only 22 this year. His friends call him Shem or Shaqueme (pronounce Sha-Keem). Born and raised in Liverpool. He is half black half white. His father is half Bajan (Barbados) half English and his mother is quarter English quarter Scottish and half Nigerian

Shaqueme is a full time athlete in Monarchy Gym. He trains 3 times a day. He is able to do this due to his elder brother Saka's care. The neighbourhood he lived in Liverpool is rough area and Shaqueme had his fair share of street fights. His karate experience didn't help him much as he learned it when he was very young. But having played football all his life, he was able to build strong legs.

As Saka's business improve in Malaysia, he decided to bring Shaqueme over to Malaysia, away from the rough neighbourhood. He supported Shaqueme and gave him a place to stay. When he was 13, Shaqueme watch the first UFC where Royce Gracie was able to submit bigger guys with ease, that's when his interest in BJJ grew. But he never had a chance to learn. Till he step foot in Malaysia. As he was wondering the street, he came across a signage offering BJJ class. Stepping into the door of Monarchy, he took Prof Bruninho Barbosa's BJJ class and has been hooked since.

Shaqueme took classes from Prof. Conrado Furlan for Muay Thai. Prof. Jonathon Clamons for Boxing and learn MMA from ONE Championship fighter Agilan Thani and Peter Davis. Also occasionally trained with Monarchy founder Samir Mrebet. With such a talented pool of coaches guiding & training him, Shaqueme grows quickly as a martial artist.

He won his first two fights in MIMMA 4 with by KO. The last fight vs Palestinien Don Sulaiman was a tough one, although he dominated all round and attempted many submission, the tough Sulaiman was not easy to finish. Sulaiman's hand was raise at the end. But after a judges discussion, the decision was overturn to a victory for Shaqueme. Which moved him to grand finals.

Shaqueme is like a son to Prof Bruninho. He sees this talented kid winning MIMMA 4 on Saturday

"I see Shaqueme winning by submission  Triangle Choke. Nazri will take him down and he will end up in Shaqueme's guard. And on the ground it's Shaqueme's territory"

Prof Bruninho backed this up by pointing out that Shaqueme's recent outing at Johor Open JiuJitsu, he won 3 Gold medals. All his 10 fights was won by submission and the dominance he showed by not having a single point scored against him.

Prof Bruninho (right) with his BJJ prodigy Shaqueme

Prof Bruninho also describe Shaqueme as a very discipline student and very humble. Always being respectful to everyone he meet.

This fight will be very interesting as two different style will clash. Will the muscular and explosive Nazri be able to use his striking, take down and ground control to shut down Shaqueme's game? Or will Shaqueme's lanky limb and prowess in submission proof to be Nazri's Achilles heel again?

Ohhh I can't wait for fight night on Saturday. At this year’s grand finals, all the championship bouts are predicted to be immensely competitive as the standard of MMA in Malaysia has increased tenfold in the past 4 years.

Grab your tickets while it's still available. Tickets for the historic night are available at redtix.airasia.comIf you are not in KL, catch the fight on www.malaysianinvasion.com or RTM TV1

MIMMA4 Contender Fights - Day of reckoning

Rio Olympic Mens Badminton Semi-finals...Lee Cong Wei slog it out tooth and nails beating his arch nemesis Lin Dan. Similarly in the MIMMA4 Contender fights, was the day of reckoning for fighters. Time for them to give their all and leave the cage with pride no matter what the results. Winners will bask in the glory of appearing in a bigger stage, where spot lights and media attention will swarm them. And obviously a chance to become champion themselves as they challenge the defending champion for the title.

Those who leave the cage as losers should not feel despair, in-fact they should held their head high as they have reached thus far, and I believe all should take inspiration from Muhd Aiman.

Aiman lost in finals in season 1, season 2 reached finals but didn't make weight, season 3 came back went all the way to the finals and emerge victorious as the featherweight champion. Now Aiman is a professional MMA fighter and had won his debut in ONE Championship the night before on 2 Sept 2016.

As if there's not enough fire to burn the spirits of the fighters fighting in the 7 Contender fights & 2 semi-finals (for Foreign Pride), MIMMA add in another 9 feature fights to warms things up.

The feature fights results are:

Before the first Contender match, fighters had a face off.

Clockwise from top. Foreign Pride Semi 1: Nazri Sutari (SGP) vs Anthony Vincent Lowe (UK). Heavyweigh. Tsan Nieng Khai (SWK) vs Niker Tan Sian Kai (PEN).  Women : Hayatun Najihin (JOH) vs Nur Sabrina Bt Rafiz Azuan (SEL).  Welterweight : Theeban Govindasamy (KL) vs Aaron Tan Kuan Howe (SWK)

Clockwise from top. Middleweight: Bryant Tan Yi Qin (SWK) vs  Faiz Faisal Roseli (PEN). Flyweight: Eddy Kalai (SAB) vs Mohd Zakhir (SEL). Lightweight: Hui Keng Fai (SEL) vs Muhd Fahim Noh (SEL). Bantamweight: Damon Soo Yan Wei (KL) vs  Liew Meng Jun Quency (SAB). Foreign Pride Semi 2: Shaqueme Rock (UK) vs Amro Sulaiman (PALESTINE)

Ok lets move on to the first match in the Contender Fights.

Foreign Pride Semi 1: Nazri Sutari (SGP) defeated Anthony Vincent Lowe (UK) by unanimous decision.. Referee Olivier Coste (FRA).

Nazri displayed a great game of explosiveness and ground dominance. Executing a beautiful double leg take down that slammed Anthony on the canvas in round 1. Although Anthony was not easy to finish, Nazri was able to exert his will on the ground with ground and pound to win all three judges decision.

Heavyweight : Tsan Nieng Khai (SWK) defeated Niker Tan Sian Kai (PEN) via split decision. Referee Abdul Aziz Alias (SEL).

Last year Contender Fight, Niker prevented an all Sabahan affair in the grand finals when he beat Tam Yaw Kent to reach the grand final. This year another Borneon was in his way - which happened to be Tam's opponent in Season's 3 semi final, Tsan Nieng Khai from Sarawak.

For the big boys to slog it out for 3 rounds certainly needs a big gas tank and both showed great improvement in stamina compare to the year before. But the edge went to Tsan whom displayed a better striking from his muaythai kicks and when he was able to control Niker on the ground.

So we will see a Borneon affair in the grand finals where Sabahan Champion Darren Low will be waiting for Tsan in the grand finals.

Women’s Power: Hayatun Najihin (JOH) defeated Nur Sabrina Bt Rafiz Azuan (SEL) by unanimous decision. Referee Yeow Chet Lim (KL).

The female category may only be in it's second year but the standard of skills when you watch these two compete was certainly at another level. In fact this match may have more action than some of the other match in the male category.

These two never stop moving, when they stand after a few strike, in an instance they would engage in grappling and move the action to the floor. At the ground both never stop looking for submission and reversal, it was like watching a Metamoris match. Their corners was shouting instruction non stop, the crowds went wild, supporters for Nur Sabrina was estatic! Kudos to both this elite female for showing true warriors spirits.

But a winners had be announced and it went to Hayatun from Johor.

She will face Joanna Yap of Sarawak in the grand finals, and we may well see another exciting match as both are great jiujitsu athletes.

Theeban Govindasamy (KL) defeated Aaron Tan Kuan Howe (SWK) by unanimous decision. Referee Isaac Yap Weng Choy (JOH).

Aaron came into this fight as a underdog, similar to his fight in the Semi-finals. In that fight Aaron faced the heavily favoured Teh Kah Wai, but Aaron was able to silence the critics and won it. But facing Theeban is another story. Theeban is an ex national karateka and is well known for as a prolific striker.

As expected Theeban kept Aaron at bay utilizing his long range weapon - his kicks. Applying a karate stance, he was able to lunge in and out fast. On the ground he displayed much improved techniques, showcasing what he has learned under David Hullet of Klinch MMA.

But at one point what look like a heel hook did gave Aaron a lot of trouble as he try to escape.

Aaron limp offed the cage and was not happy with the decision loss as he felt the technique applied on him is not legal in amateur level.

Middleweight: Bryant Tan Yi Qin (SWK) defeated Faiz Faisal Roseli (PEN) by split decision. Referee Dana Blouin (USA)

Bryant went in  looking for a finish early, but Faiz of K-ONE MMA Academy was a resilient opponent. The fight stayed standing and this was to Bryant's advantage as his boxing and muaythai background shines. When they are in the pocket he was able to connect with uppercuts and clinch into devastating knees.

It was a three round of energy sapping striking match. Faiz was a worthy opponent that was able to stand toe to toe with Bryant. Upon winning the bout, 2015 Middleweight Champion Muhd Meeraj steps in the cage to face-off with Bryant. Panting from the three round war, Bryant was respectful and cheerished the opportunity to be able to step into the cage facing Meeraj in the grand finals. He said that facing the champ, will ultimately bring out the best in him.

Flyweight: Eddy Kalai (SAB) defeated Mohd Zakhir (SEL) via unanimous decision. Referee Olivier Coste (FRA)

Flyweight are one of the best to watch as they are fast and explosive. Eddy Kalai of Sabah is man on a mission. It's unfinished business for him. Reaching semi-finals for both season 2 & 3, this year he is determined to go all the way. 

Although a cheerful and joyful fella out the cage where he always smiles and joke even during face-off, but in the cage he is one determined and focus fighter.

His boxing pedigree shows through his effective jab and being a counter puncher he outstriked Zakhir even when he was on the retreat.

His ground game is understated but it he is an avid learner from watching countless Youtube tutorial. he was able to control Zakhir on the ground.

Seah Zhang Yu of Penang went through hell and back last year defending his CHampionship belt by outslugging Dhiaal Amal. I believe this year will see the same as both are prolific striker. Perhaps the game changer will be who will be the better grappler should the fight goes to the ground.

Lightweight: Hui Keng Fai (SEL) defeated Muhd Fahim Noh (SEL) by von flue choke submission at 2:32 of Round 2. Referee Olivier Coste (FRA)

Keng Fai is a picture of calmness. A veteran of both season 2 & 3 where he reached the Semi-Finals but a fighter that is always on people's mind as he has so much potential to excel. Due to this even though he lost in the 2015 semis, MIMMA offered him a feature fight vs Nazri Sutari in the grand finals. And Keng Fai showed his calmness weathring the explosive charge of Nazri where he was able to apply a standing guillotine choke in round 1.

Facing Fahim, a veteran of F3 Championship, Keng Fai was able to defend against a single leg attempt. Keng Fai was on top position and was able to execute a submission we hardly see - Von Flue choke. This shows the high level jiujitsu Keng Fai has acquired through Professor Pedro Falbo of Muayfit.

Keng Fai will be challenging Jace Law for the lightweight belt. It's going to be a dream match as Jace is a high level athlete that is well known for his JKO bombs. This match I believe will not go beyond 3 rounds as Jace will be on the constant lookout for a finish. Keng Fai may play the defensive game and look for an opening for submission when Jace lunge in. Bottom line is, it's going to be a heck of a fight.

Bantamweight: Damon Soo Yan Wei (KL) defeated Liew Meng Lun Quency (SAB) by split decision. Referee Isaac Yap Weng Choy (JOH)

On paper it looks like Damon will have an easy victory over Liew. Damon was in season 2 & 3 and stumbled in the quarter finals. As a 18 year old, this is Liew's debut in MIMMA, and he has shown much potential by reaching the Contender Fights.

Liew went into this fight with short preparation. He was expecting to appear in the grand finals fighting Damon hence he started a strength and conditioning program under Borneo Titans and planned to cut weight on the final week of the Grand Finals. The rest of the time he trains in Alpha MMA under Allen Chong ( MIMMA 1 Lightweight Champion) polishing his jiujitsu and MMA.

But MIMMA had planned for a rematch of last year grand finalist of Sabahan Effendy Kalai vs Tee Jac Yoe of Johor. This plan didn't work out as Tee could not be back in Malaysia as he was overseas studying. The rematch was worked out due to 2015 grand finals where a no contest was declared when Effendy pass out due to a controversial behind the back strikes by Tee. As Tee was not able to fight, Effendey goes to the grand finals and it's up to Damon vs Liew to see who challenge him there.

As expected Damon was the aggressor. heavy with his hands was able to bring the fight to the ground. But the ground is where Liew excel. he was able to defend well and constantly shift position to look for a submission as Damon was on the offensive with ground and pound. 2nd round was similar.

Damon seems to be gasping for air in the 3rd round. Knowing he is behind on points, Liew decides to keep the fight standing. Using his boxing experience, a slug fest went on towards the end of the round 3 as both go for broke. In the end, Damon hand was raised, winning a close split decision.

Foreign Pride Semi 2: Shaqueme Rock (UK) defeated Amro Sulaiman (PALESTINE) via split decision. Referee Olivier Coste (FRA)

It was a great way to end the day with these two foreigner as the last match. Shaqueme representing Monarchy MMA using his height advantage controls the striking game and on the ground. Executing great grappling. At one point, victory looks certain for Shaqueme when he was able mount Amro and got high up to his shoulder for a mounted triangle and raining punches from top. But Amro does not give up, he was able to escape and bring the fight standing again.

It was 3 rounds of back and fourth with Shaqueme having the upper hand but Amro is constantly surprising people by coming back strong. Amro's supporters that surround the mall was ecstatic when his hand was raised,...a clearly dissapointed Shaqueme walk off the cage dejected.

But a quick turn around after the bouts when MIMMA officials met and discussed the decision. It was later reverse with the victory of a split decision going to Shaqueme. He will be facing Nazri Sutari of Singapore in the grand finals, and the resilient and warrior heart Amro will be given a feature fight to ensure fight fans a great bouts happening in the grand finals that will be on 8 OCT 2016 in Stadium Negara.

The fire that started in early 2016 will culminate in a truly explosive grand finals. Book your tickets early fight fans, this year grand finals may well be the best fight yet in MIMMA's history.

PS : Thanks to YK Tang Photography for all the great pictures feature here.

Go to YK Tang Photography FB for more awesome pictures.

Come STAND with me

The sun is setting and its ray strike your face but you are not bothered coz you got your shades on. Breeze from South China Sea sweeps your hair as the smells of smoked meat aroused your appetite. Hand on a cold drink, you move your feet on the soft, loose sands as your hearts thumps to the beats from a 3ft speaker. As the sky turns darks,… the sound of bell ring and the crowds roar to life as the attention shifts towards a ring where two warriors are throwing bombs at each other.

Where is this you ask? Phuket? Bali? No people…it’s K.K. (Kota Kinabalu)! Yup, right here in the heart of Sabah Borneo. Bringing to you … STAND. A new concept of fight event in Malaysia, where it will combine the action of boxing and Kickboxing with the excitement of a beach party.

STAND will happen on 22-24 April at the stunning resort of NEXUS Karambunai, just ½ hour drive from KK. This award winning beach resort that has seen many international functions being held at it’s sprawling 65 acres beachfront landscape. When STAND happens there this April it will be the 1st fight event with a beach party concept in Malaysia.

STAND will feature amateur boxing and K1 Kickboxing. Co-organised by 2 of Sabah’s top martial arts gym, namely; Team Karabaw and Keningau MMA (KMMA), with the collaboration with Kaza Musa Fight management .

According to Rayner Kinsiong (Team Karabaw’s founder cum STAND’s event director) STAND will feature boxing & K1 Kickboxing matches. Both at amateur level. Rayner sees that boxing is the least promoted fight sports in Sabah currently and he hopes STAND can be a platform for amateur boxer to build their fight experience. As for K1 Kickboxing, it may not be as well known as Muaythai in Sabah but it’s an upcoming martial sports that is gaining popularity due to its fast pace action.

STAND will open up lots of category for boxing & kickboxing and will be held over 3 days. For K1 Kickboxing 11 category for men and 5 for women will be competed. Meanwhile boxing will have 10 category for men & 3 for women. Day 1 will be registration, weighing in and photo shoot for fighters and team. Day 2 will see fights for all preliminary rounds and day 3 will feature finals rounds to determine the champion. Winners will be bringing back cash prizes and medals.

Fight Five is the sponsor for fight gear. This is a new high quality local Malaysian brand and it will be making its debut in a fight event at STAND. Fight Five apparel will also be available soon, with fantastic design from New York designer....witness it for yourself at STAND.

The organizer is looking forward to large participations by team. For their convenience of accommodation, venue sponsors NEXUS Karambunai is giving a special rate of RM288 per night for any team. Team with most medals collected will get to bring home a big a$$ challenge trophy!

The organizers hope to bring great fight action in the ring to entertain fight fans but around the ring too will be many entertaining activities. Auto and bike show has been planned to satisfied motor-heads. Food and drinks will also be available with a menu focus on BBQ dishes. And of course, DJ’s will be in the house to spin you all the entertaining beats.

STAND’s fight night beach party is inspired by BBQ Beatdown organized monthly by Tiger Muay Thai (TMT) in Phuket. TMT is the No.1 fight gym in Thailand and has produced many top fighters in Muaythai & MMA. Foreigners from around the globe especially westerners flock to TMT as the training is facilities is top notch, great trainers and also the lure of the beach party. Even in Bali now a few fight gym has been set up as they see the success of Phuket drawing in serious fighters and also lots of casual fighters and fitness enthusiast.

STAND wants to replicate the mood in BBQ Beatdown, where fighters can fight and build their fight experience, at the same time his team can stay at the resort for a weekend getaway. Casual fight fans can enjoy watching fights and enjoy a beach party at the same time.

This could be a potential new segment for tourism in Sabah. Rayner was one of the trainer in Amazing Borneo package of tour for Sabah where tourist can come & enjoy the many outdoor adventure activities in Sabah such as climbing Mt Kinabalu, water rafting, scuba diving, jungle trekking and they add in training with ONE Championship fighters which include AJ Pyro and Ann Osman. With this concept from STAND,
I believe Sabah can also be successful in fight tourism. We have great beautiful beaches and resorts in Sabah. Bringing the fights to these amazing places and throw in a great party, this could be a great recipe to boost tourism in Sabah.

Let's get to know the sponsors, giving them the support as without their support we will not be able to watch STAND for free.

STAND is brought to us by Borneo MajuBina ( BMB ). BMB has been strong supporter of martial arts event. BMB also help support JFL and Team Karabaw grand participation in Ultimate Beatdown 17 in Johor Bahru. Warriors of Borneo had a quick chat with Hisham Michael, the CEO of Borneo Majubina.

May I know your role in Borneo MajuBina (BMB)
I am one of three directors in the company. The other two is Aidil Zakuan and Mustaqim.

BMB play a big role in Team Karabaw & JFL...why does BMB chooses to support martial arts?
Me and Rayner Kinsiong used to go way back to the good old Karate days where we used to compete along side in State and National events. Martial arts gave me the proper structure to be the person I am today. And I'd like to give the younger generations an opportunity to build their character whether competing in this sport or in fighting for their career in the same way Karate has given me the opportunity too.

What is BMB's main business? Can you please give the readers some background on BMB?
BMB is actually a construction company, we've been around since 2011. Our aim is to give our clients the best in comfort and ease that our projects are completed in the best possible manner whether it is a school project, government quarters, government offices etc. Our second aim is to bring up young locals that are interested to pursue their career in the construction industry by giving them the opportunity to handle every aspects of this very tough market.

What do you hope to achieve through STAND?
The same way we in BMB are giving the opportunity to young locals to pursue their career in the construction industry, the same way we hope to achieve in the martial arts industry. We hope to be a part of building our younger generations that will eventually be an asset to our society.

When did the idea for a beach party and fights came about?
My team and Rayner had a discussion at a mamak shop in 88 Market in Kepayan. The best ideas come out of teh tarik and roti canai session. We were discussing on how for us to make it interesting enough for the younger crowds to get involved in martial arts, hence the beach party theme event came about.



ELITEZ MMA is also a sponsors for STAND. ELITEZ MMA is the 1st MMA gym in Klang Selangor. It is headed by Andy 'The Bullet' Teh, a pro MMA fighter and recently starred in local chinese movie FIST of PASSION. Sabahan Effendy Kalai & Eddey Kalai of The Kalai Borthers Boxing is also a part of ELITEZ MMA team of coaches.

Andy Teh with the Kalai Brothers

Another sponsors is from the interior of Sabah, Keningau, the land of the legendary Murut warriors. This is where Keningau MMA ( KMMA ) is located. Headed by it's head coach Mohd Bakri, KMMA has produced a JFL bantamweight Champion 2015 in Mohd Hasbullah Sanmin. Find out more on KMMA in my previous posting here.

WARRIORS OF BORNEO supports STAND as a pioneer in fight tourism, fight fans let’s support this together and make it a success. Come and enjoy great fights and good food. Entrance is FREE!
This possibly is a first step for Sabah to be on the map for fight tourism. Let’s have fun and create history!

Check out STAND's Facebook for further updates, or call Rayner Kinsiong 013-888 8379 for further infor.